Albania Beaches - The Top Scenic Spots & Hidden Coastal Gems

Dreaming of turquoise waters and white pebble shores without the Mediterranean crowds? Albania beaches are the best-kept secret of the Ionian Sea, offering a breathtaking mix of tropical-style islands in Ksamil and wild, rugged coves tucked away in massive canyons. Whether you want to lounge at a high-end beach club in Dhërmi, explore the ancient castle ruins overlooking Porto Palermo, or hike to the secluded paradise of Gjipe, the Albanian Riviera delivers raw beauty and authentic charm at every turn. Join us as we explore the must-visit shorelines that make this rising star of the Balkans a true coastal masterpiece.

You would not think of Albania as having spectacular beaches, but Albania beaches are Europe’s cheapest beach paradise. The Albanian Riviera has wonderful pebble beaches, secluded beaches and island beaches, and all are very pristine. Southern Albania has spectacular scenery and beaches that rival the beaches of Greece and Croatia for half the price. Find empty white beaches with crystal clear turquoise water, fresh seafood, baklava and local wine, with prices so low you’ll be amazed! Visit our Albania Travel Guide to start planning your Albania Vacation. Here are the best Albanian Riviera beaches now:

Ksamil Islands

The Ksamil Islands are a hidden gem in the south of Albania. Ksamil is still a quiet and secluded place, with crystal clear and turquoise water. The beach site offers white sand and fantastic views of the Ionian coast. This is the perfect place for a fun day on the beach or a romantic holiday. You can spend the day sunbathing, and swimming. Ksamil beach and its little islands are one of the best beach destinations in Europe.

Jale Beach

If you’re looking for a summer trip to remember, Jale Beach is just the place for you. Hidden in the south of this inspiring country, this gem is known for its sky-blue waters, beautiful surrounding nature, and breathtaking sunsets. The waters of this beach are known to be the purest and most beautiful. It’s the go-to destination for countless tourists every year, as it offers them everything they need for the perfect getaway.

Dhermi Beach

On Dhermi beach you will find various pebbles, some nearly like sand. The water is clean and deep with a very nice blue color. There are plenty of restaurants, and the beach has umbrellas and chairs to relax on. Outside peak season, it’s very quiet, and while the summer months get very busy, the beach is long enough for those who want to find a quiet spot away from the crowds even in mid-August. For explorers, there are lots of coves and smaller bays further along the beach, where excellent budget accommodations can be found, and a number hotels are right on the beach.

Himara Beach

Himara Beach inthe Albanian Riviera, is a well known attraction for lots of tourists. Along with having multiple stunning and secluded beaches, Himara is unusual in that the majority of the population is of Greek origin. Despite its growth in the past decade it hasn’t lost its charm. During the summer the beach is full of life. The clean fresh water with white sand and the mountains close to the beach, provide a relaxing view. This is what makes this place so attractive. The town has a variety of hotels, bars and restaurants close to the beach for a variety of prices.

Borsh Beach

The massive stretch of beach at Borsh is surrounded by olive groves, grazing goats and high mountain peaks. It’s one of the least developed of Albania’s main Riviera beaches. Borsh beach is the place to go if you are looking for a quiet natural but still breathtaking place to relax. The place is so pristine and beautiful that creates the illusion of an amazing beach that was discovered yesterday. With the mountains surrounding the long beach, it makes the beach looks like it will never end. Most of hotels and restaurants here are from local residents that provides traditional foods.

Lukova Beach

Lukova Beach is just north of Saranda, which is a great option for a coastal beach holiday. Lukova is a quiet beach, but the town is a good size with lots of conveniences, which means that you’ve got shopping and nightlife on hand to spice things up. Like most Albanian beaches, it can get very busy in summer but for rest of the year you could go days without seeing other swimmers. The combination of the crystal blue Ionian Sea and the green natural surroundings make you feel like you’ve found a little piece of paradise.

Pasqyrat Beach

Pasqyrat beach is the hidden gem of the Albanian Riviera. Well, maybe not that hidden, especially during August, but its a quite place to relax and enjoy the beautiful sand and the warm, clear water. It’s a pebbled beach set a little way off from the village, hotels, and restaurants, which means you’ll feel like you’re further out in nature than you are. How would Pasqyrat Beach be described? Its secluded, peaceful, and gorgeous.

Golem Beach

Hundreds of thousands visit Golem beach each year, making it the most popular of the Albanian beaches. It’s one of the preferred beach travel destinations for Albanians themselves. It has a very long coastline that stretches along the national highway, so everything is easy to access. There is tons of great restaurants and drinking establishments to be had. It’s also close to the capital city of Tirana and because of that, the services and amenities available are top-notch.

Orikum Beach

Orikum is the second largest port in Albania, and the preferred destination for holiday yachters. Orikum Beach is known as the beach of yachts. Located between Saranda and Vlora, this is the beach people return to year after year. It’s clean with fine pebbles, and the restaurants are widely known for the fabulous traditional food that they serve. Sail to the nearby caves on the Karaburum peninsula for a great day excursion.

Gjipe Beach

GJipe beach is a beautiful small beach hidden behind the mountains. It is close to the highway, but a little bit far from hotels and restaurants. Is the perfect place to go if you prefer to enjoy the nature and don’t want to fight the crowds. To reach the beach requires a nice 30-minute trek through the forest that offers fabulous views of the coast. There’s rarely a crowd here. The beach itself is at the end of Gjipe Canyon, which also offers lots of great hiking. Despite the seclusion, there are a few amenities like a snack vendor and some straw huts, but you’ll definitely feel like you’re in a personal paradise.

Zvernec Beach

Speaking of personal paradise, Zvernec beach has beautiful landscape, clear blue water, and a small island which can provide you with the perfect beach vacation experience. The island includes an 18th century monastery in the middle of a pine forest, accessible only by a wooden bridge. You can camp and hike here, as well as just lounge and swim here. It’s a quick 15 minutes from Vlora, but it feels like you’re in another world!

Palasa Beach

The Llogaraja Pass is a beautiful zigzag through the mountains. For those who experience it, they are rewarded with Palasa beach, which is the first stop on the other side of the pass. Here you will find a combination of white sand and rock on the beach. There is very little development here. There are a few restaurants and cafes, and one nightclub that often draws a crowd, but Palasa is the beach for those whose want to avoid the crowd. The beach offers pristine waters, camping options, and a quaint village to visit. Llogara National Park is also nearby.

Bunec Beach

Bunec Beach is close to Saranda and a beautiful beach often overlooked by travelers. It’s a quiet beach, charming and unspoiled. Stay here for some pretty incredible sunsets. Accommodations are good, with camping being a popular option. This is the beach for those seeking the peaceful quiet with the lull of the waves hitting the shore.